AGS Names David Gardner As New President

David Gardner of David Gardner’s Jewelers Named 

New President of American Gem Society’s Board of Directors

Gardner brings 40 years of innovative expertise in jewelry industry

Celebrating 40 years at DG Jewelers

May 29, 2012, Las Vegas. The American Gem Society elected David Gardner, Certified Gemologist (CG), of David Gardner Jewelers, as President of the Society’s Board of Directors, taking over the role from outgoing President, Cathy Calhoun, CGA, of Calhoun Jewelers. The appointment was made during the Society’s annual Conclave in Miami, on April 28^th.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with David,” said Ruth Batson, CEO and Executive Director of AGS. “He’s been a tireless advocate in his work and efforts on behalf of the American Gem Society. His enthusiasm and passion for the Society is well known to all of our members, and it will no doubt be an exciting two years with at the President’s helm!”

Gardner’s new role coincides with the celebration of 40 years in the jewelry industry since starting out at the age of 16. Since then, David started David Gardner’s Jewelers which has earned a reputation of excellence in the jewelry industry leading to national recognition as one of America’s Top 10 Coolest Jewelry Stores. David and wife, Julia, have continually chosen to serve the local community despite offers to expand operations. Long-term dedication combined with constant philanthropic efforts recently led the B-CS Chamber of Commerce to honor David and Julia as Citizens of the Year in 2011. In addition to helping others, David is deeply passionate about designing one-of-a-kind jewelry for his customers.

“I love the rich heritage and tradition of being a jeweler, but I also like to break out of the box and bend the rules to keep our industry fresh and relevant in an ever-changing world,” said Gardner.  “Jewelry is a language that is universal and I am eager to devote myself to this unique opportunity and make a difference that will reflect well upon the AGS and its dedicated membership.”

AGS also announced the list of its 2012-2013 Board Of Directors including:- President Elect –Louis Smith, CG; Secretary – Scott Berg, CG; Sr. Advisor- Bill Sites, CGA; Treasurer- Kelly Kinas; Director at Large - Dave Bonaparte; Director at Large –John Carter, CGA; Director at Large -Kelly Newton, CGA; Director at Large -Charles Rosario; Chair- Conclave Sub-Committee, Louis Smith, CG; Chair - International Guilds Council, Laura Stanley, CGA; CG; Chair -Education Committee, Michael Richards, CG; Chair -Marketing Committee, Jeff High; Chair -Membership Committee, Bill Farmer, CGA; Chair -AGS Lab Board of Managers, Doug Parker, CG. The Board also added three new members, each appointed as Director at Large: Mike Wilson, CG, Lisa Bridge, CG and Michael Schechter.

About the American Gem Society

The American Gem Society, founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to proven ethics, knowledge, and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. The American Gem Society is a professional organization awarding credentials for its members, who are held to the highest ethical and professional standards in the industry and must pass annual recertification examinations to maintain their titles. Less than five percent of jewelers in the country have met the exacting requirements necessary for membership.

For more information regarding the American Gem Society, please call 866.805.6500, or visit  www.AmericanGemSociety.org.

DEF's "Diamonds At The W" Support Education

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND HOSTS ‘DIAMONDS AT THE W’ DURING AGS CONCLAVE TO SUPPORT EDUCATION INITIATIVES

April 2012, New York, NY—The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) will host a special ‘Diamonds at the W’ party at the W Hotel South Beach in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, April 26 from 8:30pm to 11:30 p.m., during the American Gemological Society’s (AGS) Conclave. Transportation to and from Conclave headquarters Doral Hotel and the W South Beach will be provided free of charge, as is the party.

A ‘Raffle for Education’ will be held during the event, to support DEF’s mission of empowering African youth through education in diamond producing nations. Among the prizes are two highly-sought-after tickets to Russell Simmons’ famed, celebrity filled ‘Art for Life’ benefit at his home in Southampton, New York; a four-night stay during JCK Las Vegas at THEHotel, complete with a luxurious spa treatment, donated by JCK; two tickets to the 51^st Rolex 24 at Daytona including a ‘behind the scenes garage tour’ by the Chip Ganassi Racing team compliments of the Gordon Group. Unique raffle items will also be available by media sponsor Haute Living. Attendees can purchase raffle tickets at the door or through DEF’s website, diamondempowerment.org.

Cathy Calhoun, a DEF governing board member and president of AGS, says, “Both the AGS and DEF understand the importance of education and promoting ethical business practices. AGS members develop superior skills and knowledge that ultimately helps protect the consumer. Through our industry’s support of DEF, student scholars are developing the skills and knowledge to be the next generation of leaders in Africa.”

Russell Simmons, DEF founder and advisory board chairman adds, “Access to education is critical for sustained progress, economic growth and prosperity in diamond producing countries. Diamonds are a precious resource, and through good governance by the industry they can contribute to the development of Africa’s other precious resource, its people.” Simmons was recently voted as the number one Social Change Agent in JCK’s Top 50 Power List of Movers, Shakers and Tastemakers in the Jewelry Industry.

Phyllis Bergman, DEF president, adds, “We are so pleased to be able to offer AGS attendees an opportunity to get to know DEF a bit better in such a fun, ‘ready for spring’ venue…and to aid our three beneficiaries is a wonderful statement to the industry’s generosity."

DEF’s beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, a business college in Johannesburg, South Africa, that is free to attendees with the requirement that they return to their native villages and teach for a period of time after graduation. The second is the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg that draws students from all 54 countries in Africa, and emphasizes leadership skills, African History, and entrepreneurial skills. DEF provides scholarships to all students from diamond-producing nations.  The third beneficiary is the Botswana Top Achievers program that selects the top high school students countrywide in Botswana, and affords them the opportunity to study at a university of their choice anywhere in the world. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development.

Sponsors for the event include, W Hotel South Beach, Bombay Sapphire, Haute Living, JCK, RideCentric and special thanks to the GIA. DEF is proud to share part of the proceeds from the ‘Raffle for Education’ with Jewelers for Children...together making a difference.

Founded in 2007, The Diamond Empowerment Fund™ (D.E.F.) is a non-profit international organization with the mission to raise money to support education initiatives that develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) envisions a future when poverty in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource is dramatically reduced through successful fund raising initiatives by the diamond jewelry industry to support projects that educate and empower Africans locally. D.E.F. envisions an effort involving the following:

* Diamond jewelry industry supporting D.E.F. through the sale of their products with

   donations to the Fund;

* People donating to the Fund and also choosing to purchase diamond jewelry products that

   support D.E.F’s mission;

* African individuals, educational and service organizations, and government entities 

   addressing poverty and education in keeping with D.E.F’s mission.